Dr. Francis Collins, a prominent geneticist and former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), announced his retirement on Saturday. This decision comes at a challenging time for the agency, which is facing significant budget cuts and layoffs.
Collins, known not only for his scientific achievements but also for his musical talents and Christian faith, did not provide specific reasons for his departure but expressed his pride in serving at what he called “the crown jewel of the federal government” for many years.
Joining the NIH in 1993, Collins led the Human Genome Project, which successfully mapped the human DNA sequence ahead of schedule and under budget. He has served as NIH director for 12 years under three different presidents: Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden.
In October 2021, Collins stepped down from his leadership role to focus on his research. He was actively involved in studying diabetes and genetic conditions, and he also played an advisory role to President Biden on combating hepatitis C.
The NIH, with a budget of $48 billion, is the largest supporter of biomedical research in the United States and has historically enjoyed strong bipartisan backing. In his statement, Collins praised the NIH workforce, stating that they are dedicated and compassionate individuals deserving of respect from all Americans.
While he did not agree to an interview, Collins took the opportunity in his farewell message to defend the NIH’s contributions amidst the ongoing turmoil precipitated by the current administration’s funding decisions and the layoffs affecting more than a thousand staff members. He highlighted the agency’s critical role in advancing medical research, citing successful treatments for diseases like cancer and sickle cell disease that were made possible through NIH funding and research.
Collins made significant contributions to medical science throughout his career, including the discovery of the cystic fibrosis gene, leading to treatments for this serious disease. As director, he also oversaw efforts to combat critical health issues like COVID-19, helping to develop vaccines that have saved countless lives.
Beyond his scientific work, Collins is recognized for discussing the relationship between science and religion, bridging gaps between faith and scientific understanding.
